While bike technology has raced ahead, the UCI has banned many developments - like these spinergy wheels - on safety grounds. At times it has also argued that those with the money for the best new technology should not be advantaged, or that some technologies simply offer too much performance gain.
Usually in the name of safety, though sometimes to ensure those with the most money can't get too far ahead of the rest; cycling's world governing body the UCI has banned a range of kit down the years.
But while dangerously light carbon bikes, unsafe riding positions and significantly faster pieces of very expensive kit have all come in for bans, some very unusual items have also been targeted.
Who knew mitten gloves and black rain jackets were against the rules? Not us.
The video below takes us through 10 things banned by the UCI, including:
- Spinergy wheels
- Long socks
- Really light bikes
- Sloping saddles
- Clip-on aero bars
- Black rain jackets
- Mittens
- Aero bikes
- Superman position
- Lance Armstrong
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The superman position formed part of the 'arms race' (see what we did there? - Ed) between Britons Chris Boardman and Graeme Obree.
Bikes like this Miguel Indurain time trial machine looked very different to the traditional bicycle; with subsequent UCI restrictions consigning such models to the history books.
The humble mitten; never did anyone any harm, but banned by the UCI...
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